The literal medical origins of the phrase blowing smoke up your arse
In short: Today the phrase refers to insincere flattery, but it once described a genuine, if bizarre, medical procedure. This video explores the history behind this idiom and how it transitioned from a literal practice to a common figure of speech.
While modern usage implies insincere praise meant to inflate someone's ego, the phrase originated from an actual medical technique. Historically, doctors would literally blow smoke into a patient's rectum as a form of treatment.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: When Doctors Literally Blew Smoke Up Your Arse
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-when-doctors-literally-blew-smoke-up-your-arse.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
